Hiro 41 Nib Users - Please read...

[Erica McPhee]

Quite a few Hiro 41 nib users have recently reported some problems using the nib. The ink seems to slide off and not stay on the pen long enough to write! I recently ordered some new ones and I'm sad to report five of seven I tried had this problem. I tried every which way to "prepare" the nib without luck.

I have contacted John Neal about this and he is going to look into it and try to assist with problem solving. In the meantime, he recommended using glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol to try to prepare the nib. I am going to try this afternoon and let you know what happens.

Sorry this is happening (especially after recommending that nib as my favorite). But I hope you can take a small bit of comfort in knowing it's not you, it's the nib! 

[Lynn Lantz]

Wow! I just received a Hiro 41 nib from John Neal yesterday and had this exact problem. I tried flame, soap, toothpaste, flame again - I was afraid I was doing something wrong (and also worried about melting the nib.) Eager to hear what you find works. I chalked it up to a newbie problem and wasn't even sure how to describe the issue here on the forum.

[Erica McPhee]

I'm so sorry Lynn! Since we have had so many reports, I think it is most likely a change in the finish or just a bad batch or something.

I will let you all know what we find out. 

[Blotbot]

I have 2 Hiro 41 nibs on back-order at Paper and Ink Arts.  Hope the new shipment is better.

[Perfectsettings]

Before I go through the frustration... does the alcohol cleaning help with the glazing problem??

[Lynn Lantz]

I tried cleaning the nib with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol last night - rubbing gently. It only slightly improved the situation - I found it picked up a little more ink, but in order to get the vent hole to 'grab' the ink, I had to turn the pen holder almost vertically upside down after dipping for the ink to catch and stay in the reservoir. Then it lasted a little bit longer. But it's by no means a perfect situation. I'm going to try more rubbing alcohol tonight and I'm curious if anyone else has found a better solution!

[Perfectsettings]

Lynn, I was doing that very thing after cleaning it with nib cleaner. 

[Erica McPhee]

I found the same thing. It would hold a bit more but it came off very unevenly and too much in places. Still not useable in my opinion. I even used this special stuff I have that is supposed to remove grease and film from things in preparation to take ink. Didn't work! 

[Perfectsettings]

Erica, where are we with these nibs & the problems?  I switched but ironically I really prefer the hiro. 

[Lynn Lantz]

I spoke with someone at John Neal who said he found a rub of a little gum arabic helped - He's sending me a sample of gum arabic to test as I don't have any. My shipment won't come in for a few days, but if you've got some gum give that a shot!

[Erica McPhee]

Thanks Lynn,
I haven't heard anything back yet. I have some gum Arabic somewhere... 

[Perfectsettings]

I actually tried dipping into gum arabic (with little help) but haven't tried rubbing it on.  I think that makes sense, though.  I would think if the gum is dried or even tacky it would make the ink "stick." 

[anamer]

Wow, I just posted in another section my frustration with the Hiro 41 I had just ordered from John Neal.  I thought it was me, the nib does not hold ink at all.  I was just trying them out, a shame since I love the flexibility it has.

Will try the gum arabic and see if that helps!.

I cannot be in the forum everyday, but must say, love this forum!!!

Ana

[Erica McPhee]

I'm sorry to hear that Ana.  Yes, it is very frustrating. And really bums me out because it is/was my favorite nib, I've recommended it to everyone, and I've got an order of 36 useless nibs! 

I hope we get some resolution on it soon.

[anamer]

Hi Erica:

Tried the rubbing down of the nib with gum arabic as John Neal suggested, made some difference but not much. They stated that I was the second person complaining and would contact supplier.  I hope is a temporary thing since I really liked the flexibility of the nib. 

Ana